Enraged, saddened and hurt, the words are closest to the feelings that run in the mind of a common aware Indian today after the brutal attack on Mumbai. The anger of the people upon the burgeoning terror strikes has crossed its level-mark with the latest Mumbai pogrom. Its indeed heartening to see the entire nation rise taking a united stand on the noble cause of bringing the culprits to the books. A much warranted change in the impotent attitude of the Manmohan Singh government has also been observed in the form of a demarche to Pakistan and suspension of the cooperation talks. There have been talks of India "not ruling out" military action against Pakistan and also receiving full support from the US in justifying military action incase Pakistan fails to deliver its promises of nabbing the culprits calling it India's 9/11.All in all India is poised advantageously in a favorable state to pressurize Pakistan to nab the Lashkar operatives on its territory. However there are a few points that India should keep in mind while executing its pressure tactics.
First and foremost is to audaciously deny all rumors of Military action : The ISI is busy escalating rumors about mobilizing of India's 1 Lakh troops to the western border hinting towards an imminent attack "without concrete evidence". The sole purpose of the exercise is to arouse nationalistic feelings to gain local support, an attempt to unite the three dissident sections viz The locals, The govt and the Warlords.
Secondly, leverage the International support in a proper manner. India has tactical support of US which is amongst the most influential factors in Pakistan. India must take in it an opportunity to start a cleansing operation against the anti-Indian elements being bred on the Pakistani soil. India should meticulously convert this war against Lashkar-e-Toiba to a war against the Islamic terrorism.
Thirdly an important aspect is to expose the dual nature of the Pakistan government which has been backstabbing the peace operations with India by colluding with the Pakistani terror mongers. The international community which has been pretty sympathetic with pakistan owing to its fluid economic state, the residents of Pakistan and the Indian nationals (sleeper cells, disillusioned locals )who tend to support Pakistan in perpetrating such henious crimes in name of religion need to be made aware of the nature of the people whose cause they are backing.
All in all this is an opportunity for India to shake "hands with an iron fist rather then arm-wrestling with a soft one".
Friday, December 5, 2008
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Terror Strike in Delhi
Jaipur, Bangalore, Ahmadabad and now Delhi. The burgeoning terror attacks in the recent time show the severe security and intelligence lapses the are prevalent in our country. The law and order has deteriorated significantly thanks to the 123 agreement which has overshadowed every other issue, farm suicides, price rise and of course terrorism. Never before in the history would have a government earned so much to its discredit like the present one. The effort that was thrown in to savor the deal had it been channelized properly the situation would have been much better. And what exactly did we gain out of it false promises, baseless commitments. Jaipur, Ahmadabad should have taught the UPA govt its lessons but alas it is still trying to justify the deal in some way or the other.It is true that the current strikes have a lot of causative factors like reconciliation between the Pakistan Government and the tribal lords but that happens to be beyond our control where we could have probably gained was through a more concerted, focussed effort against the terror-mongers. After this tragedy and the slap in the face by the bush administration, its time MR. Prime Minister seriously considered the option of resignation. However it wont be surprising if UPA did what it does best giving condolence speeches of course this time they would be atop fuel-less reactors.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Singrur Problem
As the situation stands today in West Bengal, most of us are sympathetic towards the TATA's for the political drama they are going through. However we need to reconsider our opinions on major fronts.
1) Mr. Tata has distanced himself from this land dispute as if its not his concern. If Mr. Tata would have ever sold/bought a second hand scooter/ car he would have realized that its as much the responsibility of the buyer as it is of the seller to ensure that the product being sold is genuine and legal in all its aspects.
2) Right to property was removed from the fundamental rights and made a legal right to facilitate the implementation of land Reforms for socialistic objectives and not for capitalistic ones like it is being used now, no directive principle states that agricultural land may be snatched from poor peasants for industrialization.
I think its time that the "doctrine of the basic structure of the constitution " was reiterated.
1) Mr. Tata has distanced himself from this land dispute as if its not his concern. If Mr. Tata would have ever sold/bought a second hand scooter/ car he would have realized that its as much the responsibility of the buyer as it is of the seller to ensure that the product being sold is genuine and legal in all its aspects.
2) Right to property was removed from the fundamental rights and made a legal right to facilitate the implementation of land Reforms for socialistic objectives and not for capitalistic ones like it is being used now, no directive principle states that agricultural land may be snatched from poor peasants for industrialization.
I think its time that the "doctrine of the basic structure of the constitution " was reiterated.
Hillarious
Its funny to see the ongoing "who is more marathi" battle between MNS and Shiv Sena. Mindless accusations, cooked up allegations, random cacophony have filled the atmosphere. No matter how much the situation is manipulated, the underlying event is of an Indian ( Mrs. Bachchan ) addressing an Indian audience in the National Language of India, from where an issue of disrespect to a certain section of society arises is beyond comprehension. However what is ironical is the fact that the two leaders- history bears testimony - will still end up gaining political mileage out of the whole dramatic clamor. And its none other than the citizens of India to blame for this, who have time and again proved to opportunistic politicians that they can be divided on parochial lines. I think its time these leaders are shown right in their faces that we are Indians before Marathi, Gujarati or Tamil in consonance with the spirit of our nation laid on the lines of unity and fraternity.
http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/13/stories/2008091355731002.htm
http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/13/stories/2008091355731002.htm
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Sending the safeguards Agreement to the IAEA
The "haste" in sending the deal to the IAEA was probably a stunt of
the UPA government to vindicate itself of the accusations of being a
lame duck government. It was a politically unsound decision leave
aside the actual impact on the country. The benefits of the deal were
not resounded properly even when eminent mavericks like former
president Abdul Kalam and Mr. Narayanan supported the deal-owing to
whatever reasons, Had it publicized the benefits well and then had
moved ahead defying the left parties it would have been a heroic act,
as of now it appears to be a mindless, action fueled by stubbornness.
The entire "political stunt" will come down heavily on the ruling
party and no doubt if UPA looses the next Lok Sabha election this
would be one of the major factors.
the UPA government to vindicate itself of the accusations of being a
lame duck government. It was a politically unsound decision leave
aside the actual impact on the country. The benefits of the deal were
not resounded properly even when eminent mavericks like former
president Abdul Kalam and Mr. Narayanan supported the deal-owing to
whatever reasons, Had it publicized the benefits well and then had
moved ahead defying the left parties it would have been a heroic act,
as of now it appears to be a mindless, action fueled by stubbornness.
The entire "political stunt" will come down heavily on the ruling
party and no doubt if UPA looses the next Lok Sabha election this
would be one of the major factors.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Kabul Attack
The Kabul blast is yet another exemplification of the ghastly attacks
on Indian missions in Afganistan, previous ones being the innumerable
attacks on the personel of Border Roads organization. Its high time
that Indian government stopped harping on the "Cooperation Mantra"
and took the issue of the life of its serving citizens seriously.
Places like Afganistan have become a "premeditated mortuary" for
numerous Indian citizens because of hollow "Look-how courageous I am"
policies of the Indian government. The attacks happen , they are
condemned, "soon-to-be forgotten" claims to fight terrorism are
vociferated, however no action is taken against the "not-so-careful"
local authorities which inspite of warnings are unable to curb the
attacks. Nice to see the price an honest official pays for serving the
country. Thanks to our "fearless" government because of whose
timidness to come down heavily on the host countries, many of the
Indian nationals serving on foreign grounds are subjected to "coerced
martydom". Right now all authorities are concerned about the "bigger
picture" without caring about the measures that need to be taken to
prevent such acts in future. Thank GOD! that does who died were not
classified as minorities or majorities and used as election agendas
nut I guess we will see that soon too.
on Indian missions in Afganistan, previous ones being the innumerable
attacks on the personel of Border Roads organization. Its high time
that Indian government stopped harping on the "Cooperation Mantra"
and took the issue of the life of its serving citizens seriously.
Places like Afganistan have become a "premeditated mortuary" for
numerous Indian citizens because of hollow "Look-how courageous I am"
policies of the Indian government. The attacks happen , they are
condemned, "soon-to-be forgotten" claims to fight terrorism are
vociferated, however no action is taken against the "not-so-careful"
local authorities which inspite of warnings are unable to curb the
attacks. Nice to see the price an honest official pays for serving the
country. Thanks to our "fearless" government because of whose
timidness to come down heavily on the host countries, many of the
Indian nationals serving on foreign grounds are subjected to "coerced
martydom". Right now all authorities are concerned about the "bigger
picture" without caring about the measures that need to be taken to
prevent such acts in future. Thank GOD! that does who died were not
classified as minorities or majorities and used as election agendas
nut I guess we will see that soon too.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Revisiting Kargil
he article "Revisiting Kargil" offers an insight into the present
entangled scenario and the changing political equations in our not so
friendly neighbor Pakistan. The Musharraf regime during which the
Kashmir peace dialogue made remarkable progress is finally on its last
legs. The reconciliation of the Pakistan government with the tribal
lords and the renewal of the support to "Kashmiri jihad" do not augur
well for our nation's security. Its high time that New Delhi
transformed its foreign policy from that of a passive onlooker to that
of an active, capable participant. India should capitalize upon the
increasing discomfort of the US administration with the befriending
relations of the new Pakistani government with the Islamic Warlords
and steer the NATO's "war-on-terror" manoeuvres towards consummating
its own goals. An expedient policy would be to openly support NATO in
its war on terror efforts in Pakistan and by way of providing
"intelligence assistance" bring the anti-Indian terrorist activities
being bred in the terror-haven onto NATO's radar. Simultaneously India
should stick to its principle of independent foreign policy and
condemn US activities whenever required like the recent threats of
attack to Iran.
entangled scenario and the changing political equations in our not so
friendly neighbor Pakistan. The Musharraf regime during which the
Kashmir peace dialogue made remarkable progress is finally on its last
legs. The reconciliation of the Pakistan government with the tribal
lords and the renewal of the support to "Kashmiri jihad" do not augur
well for our nation's security. Its high time that New Delhi
transformed its foreign policy from that of a passive onlooker to that
of an active, capable participant. India should capitalize upon the
increasing discomfort of the US administration with the befriending
relations of the new Pakistani government with the Islamic Warlords
and steer the NATO's "war-on-terror" manoeuvres towards consummating
its own goals. An expedient policy would be to openly support NATO in
its war on terror efforts in Pakistan and by way of providing
"intelligence assistance" bring the anti-Indian terrorist activities
being bred in the terror-haven onto NATO's radar. Simultaneously India
should stick to its principle of independent foreign policy and
condemn US activities whenever required like the recent threats of
attack to Iran.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Intolerant ..really ?
This refers to the clamor over the fact that Muslims are the ones who
are always taken as the prime suspects by security forces whenever
there is any terrorist strike.
Wouldn't it be stupid to detain and question Jains or Buddhists or
Hindus when intelligence reports clearly state that the attack ( in
this case Jaipur bomb blast ) was perpetrated by HUJI and an email
claiming responsibility from an "Islamic Jehadi " group
Indian-Mujahedeen has already been received. Isn't it ironical that on
one had we want our forces to work efficiently and rapidly and on the
other we want them to justify their each and every action at every
timestep with the yardsticks of ostentatious secularism. It is in
vogue these days to give a communal flavor to each and every action of
security forces ( and other government agencies) and then pretend as
if either you are a victim of the most preposterous apathy inflicted
upon anyone ever or you are a messiah raising voice against the so
called bigotry of the security forces. Its time we stop giving an
intolerant label to any event/person we come across.
are always taken as the prime suspects by security forces whenever
there is any terrorist strike.
Wouldn't it be stupid to detain and question Jains or Buddhists or
Hindus when intelligence reports clearly state that the attack ( in
this case Jaipur bomb blast ) was perpetrated by HUJI and an email
claiming responsibility from an "Islamic Jehadi " group
Indian-Mujahedeen has already been received. Isn't it ironical that on
one had we want our forces to work efficiently and rapidly and on the
other we want them to justify their each and every action at every
timestep with the yardsticks of ostentatious secularism. It is in
vogue these days to give a communal flavor to each and every action of
security forces ( and other government agencies) and then pretend as
if either you are a victim of the most preposterous apathy inflicted
upon anyone ever or you are a messiah raising voice against the so
called bigotry of the security forces. Its time we stop giving an
intolerant label to any event/person we come across.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Soul of Islam
The article titled "War for the soul of Islam in India" was an
excellent account of the prevailing prejudices in India against the
Muslims. There have been "fatwas" and "condemnations" of the Islam
inspired acts of terrorism, and dismay on the prejudices of the
security forces linking terrorism with Islam. The security personel as
well as common people can not be blamed for such distorted outlook,
over the years the incidents have been such that any mind would be
"eluded" owing to the empirical evidences. All major recent terrorist
attacks - Attack on Parliament ,Akshardham, Mumbai local Blasts ,
Glasgow mishap , Varanasi Blast , UP bombings have been perpetrated
with Islamic Jihad as their basis and how much ever secular and
unorthodox we try to be some where it has given an impression on every
mind of an invisible nexus prevailing between terrorism and Islam,
which is really sad and detrimental to the unity and secularism of the
country. The need of the hour is not claims and proclamations just to
distance oneself from the acts of terrorism- as done by Jamait
Ulema-e-Islam- but a more concentrated and dedicated effort to prevent
the acts of vandalism that are being carried out in the name of
"Jehad", the seminaries are putting in more effort keep themselves
vindicated rather than trying to actually hit at the roots of the
evil.
http://www.hindu.com/2008/06/14/stories/2008061452921003.htm
excellent account of the prevailing prejudices in India against the
Muslims. There have been "fatwas" and "condemnations" of the Islam
inspired acts of terrorism, and dismay on the prejudices of the
security forces linking terrorism with Islam. The security personel as
well as common people can not be blamed for such distorted outlook,
over the years the incidents have been such that any mind would be
"eluded" owing to the empirical evidences. All major recent terrorist
attacks - Attack on Parliament ,Akshardham, Mumbai local Blasts ,
Glasgow mishap , Varanasi Blast , UP bombings have been perpetrated
with Islamic Jihad as their basis and how much ever secular and
unorthodox we try to be some where it has given an impression on every
mind of an invisible nexus prevailing between terrorism and Islam,
which is really sad and detrimental to the unity and secularism of the
country. The need of the hour is not claims and proclamations just to
distance oneself from the acts of terrorism- as done by Jamait
Ulema-e-Islam- but a more concentrated and dedicated effort to prevent
the acts of vandalism that are being carried out in the name of
"Jehad", the seminaries are putting in more effort keep themselves
vindicated rather than trying to actually hit at the roots of the
evil.
http://www.hindu.com/2008/06/14/stories/2008061452921003.htm
Saturday, June 7, 2008
A Wiser HIllary
Senator Clinton, by declaring "to not decline should the presidential nominee offer to take her as the running mate", much to the disappointment of her hard-core supporters, has displayed political maturity and wishful thinking. She has take a wise move to redress the stubborn, immature image she had acquired in the due course of the primaries and caucuses through the gamut of baseless allegations, mud slinging she indulged in to discredit her political adversary. Her perseverance till now to continue the race to the presidential nominations,even though the chances of it actually consummating were and are bleak, was commendable although one can understand its main purpose was to project her as a determined and seasoned candidate.
Her recent comments will go a long way in restoring her maligned imaged as a sane politician. A partisan who can not put her personal interests ( in this case wining the presidential nominations ) on the back burner for the greater good ( wining the presidential elections ), was " not fit to be president,anyways" . Ms Clinton has just vindicated herself of any such charges being smacked upon her in future which could have been detrimental to her aspect of being nominated Vice-President incase the Democrats win. Her demand to ask for some of her policies being endorsed by Mr. Obama is geuine and proper, after all we all know how certain policies of the Hillary camp- like universal health insurance - were better and more pragmatic that Obama's . Mr Obama should readily accept Ms. Hillary as his running mate. The synergy will be pivotal in defeating the rival republicans.
Her recent comments will go a long way in restoring her maligned imaged as a sane politician. A partisan who can not put her personal interests ( in this case wining the presidential nominations ) on the back burner for the greater good ( wining the presidential elections ), was " not fit to be president,anyways" . Ms Clinton has just vindicated herself of any such charges being smacked upon her in future which could have been detrimental to her aspect of being nominated Vice-President incase the Democrats win. Her demand to ask for some of her policies being endorsed by Mr. Obama is geuine and proper, after all we all know how certain policies of the Hillary camp- like universal health insurance - were better and more pragmatic that Obama's . Mr Obama should readily accept Ms. Hillary as his running mate. The synergy will be pivotal in defeating the rival republicans.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Global Food crisis
The article by Mr. Swaminathan was certainly enlightening,it rightly pointed out the need to harness India's abundant resources to ensure Agricultural growth and consequently Food Security in India. Economic and technological measures do form the bedrock of a food secure nation but the role of proper policy initiatives can not be undermined. Policy innovations can go a long way in developing a solidarity between the various contemporary government schemes. For eg: NREGA which has been a breadwinner for a large population in the districts of Nalgonda, Kondapur, presents a massive workforce which can be steered towards the development of Agro SEZs(Kisan SEZs). Sufficient capital for strengthening of the Agricultural infrastructure in India is the need of the hour and hence private investments need to be lured into schemes like Water-Shed Management Systems, WBCIS ( Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme) through adequate policy innovations. There is a need for a regular review of the farm subsidies so as to channelize the benefits to the most-needy varying from season to season and place to place. Proper and speedy payment should be ensured to farmers upon govt procurement failing which the farmers are compelled to sell their produce to private buyers who pay them lesser than the MSP but offer immediate payment.
These are petty executive measures which if exploited can deliver India's massive agrarian population,to a considerable extent, from their state of distress and apathy.
These are petty executive measures which if exploited can deliver India's massive agrarian population,to a considerable extent, from their state of distress and apathy.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Price Hike of fuel
The has been a lot of hue and cry over government's proposal to raise the prices of the petrol and petro products, demands have been made to cut the import and excise duty on the imported products. We need to let the market forces balance themselves, other wise the Oil prices will continue to soar. A lions share of the Oil demand is attributed to the demand of petroleum for personal modes of transport of the people.These consumers mainly hail from the higher and the middle class which are not hand-to-mouth and a hike in the price of petrol will not devastate them but only coerce them to use the fuel more efficiently. If the government continues to subsidize oil , with personal vehicles becoming more and more affordable and within the reach of the common man, the demand for petroleum is bound to sky-rocket , resulting in even further increase in the prices in the long run. Hence the government should allow the market forces to curtail the increasing demand. Simultaneously the government should promote other oil-efficient and cheap means of public transport, the money that is being directed towards subsidies and in bailing out the OMCs should be spent on improving the availability and the standards public transport on lines of European countries, such investment will commensurate in the long run. Also the government should promote people to take up healthy transport practices like car pooling.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Disorting the Truth
Just a glimpse of the fact that how a different color is given to an incident.
A story by times of India
TOI Story
A different perspective of the story from indianmuslims.com
IndianMuslims Story
How pathetically the story has been transformed into a communal one.
And about this second source ..just have a look at the authors of the
second website, they are no orthodox clerics or imams..they are learned
international journalists. The site describes Adnan Alawi (The writer
of this article) as
"Adnan Alavi: An engineer turned journalist, Adnan has been blogging
about Indian Muslims at his blog, Indscribe. He lives in a city in
Central India and works for a major newspaper."
The Writer Adnan Alawi has written a number of articles for a number
of leading websites. If such learned people breed such hatred how do we ever plan to
achieve harmony and peaceful coexistence.
A story by times of India
TOI Story
A different perspective of the story from indianmuslims.com
IndianMuslims Story
How pathetically the story has been transformed into a communal one.
And about this second source ..just have a look at the authors of the
second website, they are no orthodox clerics or imams..they are learned
international journalists. The site describes Adnan Alawi (The writer
of this article) as
"Adnan Alavi: An engineer turned journalist, Adnan has been blogging
about Indian Muslims at his blog, Indscribe. He lives in a city in
Central India and works for a major newspaper."
The Writer Adnan Alawi has written a number of articles for a number
of leading websites. If such learned people breed such hatred how do we ever plan to
achieve harmony and peaceful coexistence.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Commendable move but condemnable response
The exemplary move by Hon'ble Governor of WB Mr. GopalKrishna Gandhi to observe voluntary power cut at his residence in Kolkata is indeed laudable. In an era of today where authorities enjoy a lavish life style insulated from the problem faced by the common masses, the move underscored the responsibility of our leaders as citizens. The move should serve as inspiration for common people to save electricity so that the benefits can trickle down to the not-so-privileged sections. Instead of appreciating the effort Mr Chandrashekhar responded sarcastically to the whole effort. The leasers need to realize that there are some matters of public concern in which they have to rise over their personal and partisan differences and not defile just any action.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Ramar Sethu Issue
Its nice to be secular, its nice to be empathetic but we need to strike a balance. Time and again the interests and sentiments of the Hindus have been undermined just to show that how secular and how minority appeasing we are eg: whenever there is a riot only the minority killings are brought to the front page, don't Hindu people also die in the riots. In situations where Hindus and the minorities suffer alike the specific incidents in which a member of any minority is oppressed is surfaced to show how much we care for the minorities,regardless of the communal sentiments that such biased treatments arise . Bilkis Bano was another such incidence of skewed portrayal, had Bikis Bano been a Hindu would she have got speedy justice given the current jam packed state of Indian judiciary ? Then why was the whole case projected as a case of delayed justice to a Muslim.
Ramar Sethu is another incident, Justice Parasarans drawing of a parallel between Babri Masjid and Ramar Sethu was absolutely appropriate. With the faith of 800 Million Hindus attached doesn't it become a symbol of Hindu religion. The media is silent over it. I can bet on it that had it been the case od a Muslim place of worship being mutilated , the newspapers would have been flooded with articles like " We do not need another Babri Masjid ?". If that holds for Muslims then why not for Hindus.
I have no grudge again any community but the point is that just to prove our open mindedness and to bring the minorities at par with the majorities we should not put the majorities at a disadvantage. They have equally respectable and honorable faith and sentiments.
Ramar Sethu is another incident, Justice Parasarans drawing of a parallel between Babri Masjid and Ramar Sethu was absolutely appropriate. With the faith of 800 Million Hindus attached doesn't it become a symbol of Hindu religion. The media is silent over it. I can bet on it that had it been the case od a Muslim place of worship being mutilated , the newspapers would have been flooded with articles like " We do not need another Babri Masjid ?". If that holds for Muslims then why not for Hindus.
I have no grudge again any community but the point is that just to prove our open mindedness and to bring the minorities at par with the majorities we should not put the majorities at a disadvantage. They have equally respectable and honorable faith and sentiments.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Unrelenting Inflation
Posted: To THE HINDU on 6 May 2008
There has been a lot of clamor over the rising prices of the food products especially the skyrocketing imports and a lot of methods have been proposed like Food Procurement, banning of futures trading, but all these happen to be short term measures. The leaders have to come to terms with the fact that ultimately there is no alternative to self sufficiency in food crop production. And it is crystal clear that there are no detours to it. The government has to harness Indias resources to rein in inflation in the long run. Promotion has to be given to Food Crop cultvation over Bio-Fuels and cash crops again this wont happen in a month, farmers need to be given real long term incentives not mere pre-election sops. Strong impetus must be laid on bringing unirrigated land under irrigation, if not by constructig new dams then by atleast consummating the "hung projects". Consider the example of the Telangana region. The region is supposed to one of the most fertile regions but is unused due to improper irrigation facilities. Telangana has numerous projects that could have changed the fate of the region but are just not operational eg : BHIMA , KALWAKURTHY, NETTAMPAD,SLBC TUNNEL CANAL,NAGARJUSAGAR TAIL POND on river Krishna and YELLAMPALLI,DEVADULA,DUMMUGUDEM,LENDI,GUPTA,ALISAGAR,PRANAHITA,LOWER PENUGANGA on river Godavari. Had these projects been fructified we would have been in a much more cushioned state. Similar is the plight of regions like Bundelkhand,Vidarbha.
There has been a lot of clamor over the rising prices of the food products especially the skyrocketing imports and a lot of methods have been proposed like Food Procurement, banning of futures trading, but all these happen to be short term measures. The leaders have to come to terms with the fact that ultimately there is no alternative to self sufficiency in food crop production. And it is crystal clear that there are no detours to it. The government has to harness Indias resources to rein in inflation in the long run. Promotion has to be given to Food Crop cultvation over Bio-Fuels and cash crops again this wont happen in a month, farmers need to be given real long term incentives not mere pre-election sops. Strong impetus must be laid on bringing unirrigated land under irrigation, if not by constructig new dams then by atleast consummating the "hung projects". Consider the example of the Telangana region. The region is supposed to one of the most fertile regions but is unused due to improper irrigation facilities. Telangana has numerous projects that could have changed the fate of the region but are just not operational eg : BHIMA , KALWAKURTHY, NETTAMPAD,SLBC TUNNEL CANAL,NAGARJUSAGAR TAIL POND on river Krishna and YELLAMPALLI,DEVADULA,DUMMUGUDEM,LENDI,GUPTA,ALISAGAR,PRANAHITA,LOWER PENUGANGA on river Godavari. Had these projects been fructified we would have been in a much more cushioned state. Similar is the plight of regions like Bundelkhand,Vidarbha.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Judges and RT
The article by Justice Iyer rightly pointed out that judges do fall under the purview the much debated "Right To Information Act" and indeed the CJI can not claim himself free from the obligation. However certain restraints,exploring and patching all possibilities of misuse, must be penned down before RTI in judicial matters is legitimized officially. Proper care must be taken so that the people indeed emerge out as beneficiaries of the whole endeavor. For eg: RTI should only be applicable to people directly concerned to a case and not some Tom Dick and Harry which may lead to untraceable Witness-Threatening.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Hogenakkal Dam Issue
The noble and sensible act of Mr. Karunanidhi was worth appreciating if it is a genuine gesture. It displayed a mature and deep statesmanship on the part of the DMK's veteran politician. However the events do appear a bit fabricated, a violent outburst of clashes between the Tamils and the Kanadiggas, and then sudden recession of the sporiadic violence do point towrds some sort of a nexus between the politicains and the parochial elements, What substantiates the doubts is the involvement of filmstares in the agitation who in the past have distanced themselvs from such issues for eg: the cauvery water-sharing dispute. Were they involved to just make the whole scenario more dramatic and apparently more realistic? Were the acts of vandalism perpetrated by the UPA govt to put on hold the Hogenakkal issue till the elections ? A lot of such questions are raised which demand for an independent judicial probe into the whole shameful episode.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Forgotten plight of Kashmiri Pandits
It was a just another day for the 7 lakh Kashmiri Pundits, none of them had expected that this day would mark the beginning of their end. Regarded as true patriots and loyal sons of India for over the past 500 years, with almost 100% literacy, each and every Kashmiri pundit took an immense pride in his belongingness to the great clan.
On Jan 19 1990, the final call given by the recent "Saviour of Democracy" , "Only ray of hope for Pakistan" late Mrs. Benazir Bhutto, with echoings in each and every mosque of Kashmir, started an apocalypse for a peaceful faction of the local inhabitants.
Slogans of "Freedom" , "Independent Kashmir" rang through the streets and with it started a phase of every possible inhumane atrocities, being inflicted upon helpless pundits, surpassing the boundaries of human imagination.Men young and Old alike were picked up, brutally murdered. Their mutilated dead bodies were either thrown on the streets or in the rivers. Women were raped and hung naked from trees. Petrified the pundits had to flee their own homeland and take "Refuge" in other parts of the so called secular country.
Isnt it shameful that our own citizens had to take a refuge in their own country. The kashmiris were staunch supporters of an India ruled Kashmir , now that they have been driven away Pakistan as well as secessionist forces demand a plebiscite in Kashmir, what s the meaning of such a poll when half of the inhabitants ( all of whom held the view of Kashmir being an integral part of India) have been driven away.
It has been 18 years now, those still alive are languishing in the refugee camps, with the faint hope that they would rehabilitated somewhere someday.
About 20,000 pundits have died in camps owing to lack of basic medicare, non availability of drinking water, absence of sanitation. Their population has dwindled drastically. Leave apart justice they don't even have the access to bare minimum sustainable resources. Successive governments promised to deliver the pundits of their misery but have failed to do so thanks to the dominion status of Kashmir that they do not form a vote bank, neither do they have a representative MP which has to be wooed. The chances of existence of the pundits appear bleak unless some concrete measures are taken. The issue has always been sidelined, thanks to the media and our politicians unfortunately without whose support such errors of the past can not be corrected.
On Jan 19 1990, the final call given by the recent "Saviour of Democracy" , "Only ray of hope for Pakistan" late Mrs. Benazir Bhutto, with echoings in each and every mosque of Kashmir, started an apocalypse for a peaceful faction of the local inhabitants.
Slogans of "Freedom" , "Independent Kashmir" rang through the streets and with it started a phase of every possible inhumane atrocities, being inflicted upon helpless pundits, surpassing the boundaries of human imagination.Men young and Old alike were picked up, brutally murdered. Their mutilated dead bodies were either thrown on the streets or in the rivers. Women were raped and hung naked from trees. Petrified the pundits had to flee their own homeland and take "Refuge" in other parts of the so called secular country.
Isnt it shameful that our own citizens had to take a refuge in their own country. The kashmiris were staunch supporters of an India ruled Kashmir , now that they have been driven away Pakistan as well as secessionist forces demand a plebiscite in Kashmir, what s the meaning of such a poll when half of the inhabitants ( all of whom held the view of Kashmir being an integral part of India) have been driven away.
It has been 18 years now, those still alive are languishing in the refugee camps, with the faint hope that they would rehabilitated somewhere someday.
About 20,000 pundits have died in camps owing to lack of basic medicare, non availability of drinking water, absence of sanitation. Their population has dwindled drastically. Leave apart justice they don't even have the access to bare minimum sustainable resources. Successive governments promised to deliver the pundits of their misery but have failed to do so thanks to the dominion status of Kashmir that they do not form a vote bank, neither do they have a representative MP which has to be wooed. The chances of existence of the pundits appear bleak unless some concrete measures are taken. The issue has always been sidelined, thanks to the media and our politicians unfortunately without whose support such errors of the past can not be corrected.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Scarlette Keeling Murder
The misery and anguish of Fiona Mackeown must have been increased manifold thanks to the uncongenial attitude of the Goa government. The hostile actions of Mr. Ram Naik have once again put the fairness of our judicial system in doubt. Aggrieved by the death of her teenage daughter does she deserve the treatment that she is being subjected to. Mr. Ram Naik has suggested an inquiry into her sources of income, character and background . Isn't it shameful that instead of apologizing about the wrong conclusions of the first autopsy report, appreciating her courageous efforts and rendering full support to her to bring the assaulter of her daughter to books, the govt is busy trying to sideline the matters by bringing irrelevant thing into the picture. What her income sources are , why she visits Bangalore so frequently, does it any how matter, does it in any way legitimize the baneful act committed at india's tourist capital. All these actions of the Goa authorities (including the first incorrect autopsy report point ) to an attempt to somehow wrap up the case.
Todays Media
The article "The meaning of news and getting it right" rightly points out that "Freedom of the press" has become a euphemism for "Privacy intrusion". There is a subtle line that should not be crossed by the media. Every now and then we come across realities that are presented in a distorted fashion to gain readership. The media today is forgetting what is called "intellectual responsibility" , It has acquired an illegitimate suo moto authority to pass judgment over issues. It has forgotten that it is supposed to separate "news from views". There have been numerous incidences when media has not even apologized for its wrong stand, the recent one being Ishrat Jahan. Contemporary media has to play a pivotal role in maintaining a just and transparent world, which is not possible until media realizes its responsibilities and starts acting in a more value laden manner.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Hockey and Cricket
We often tend to blame our government for not allocating funds for hockey and it is indeed true as just a petty sum of Rs 3 Crore is allocated to the awards and grants to all other sports combined when a single cricketer earns it in period of less than a year. The discrimination is there but its not baseless, its an outcome of the inclinations of people. We all have played Gully cricket in our childhood days, how many of us play gully hockey and I dont think that increasing the budget of the IHF would even slightly alter the scenario. Every nation has a sport that runs in the veins of its people like Brazil has soccer, canada ice hockey, US Baseball, similarly we have cricket. In case there is a cricket match we see an over whelming crowd who is desperate to get into the stadium, Can we expect even 5% of the turnout (and thus revenues ) if there were a Hockey match being conducted. All this worship of players, high brand value, high offers are offshoots of the inherent passion of the people of india for the game, not due to a policy discrimination of the government. Would just increasing the funds and facilities available to the hockey player increase the charisma of the game. It is the likeliness of the people that gives the game its aura not the allocated funds and facilities.
What we lack is a respect and an appreciation for other sports like hockey which cant be garnered in a day or so, any sport that attracts masses is bound to get glorified and there is nothing wrong with that.
Sent to THE HINDU on 13 March 2008
What we lack is a respect and an appreciation for other sports like hockey which cant be garnered in a day or so, any sport that attracts masses is bound to get glorified and there is nothing wrong with that.
Sent to THE HINDU on 13 March 2008
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
BJP attacks CPI(M) headquarters
The attack on the CPI(M) national headquarters is one of the most shameful acts of the BJP. BJP has always spoken volumes about how it wants to bring an end to widespread terrorism and internal disturbances and accused the UPA govt of being soft on terrorism. Was this basal act of BJP of attacking the CPI(M) headquarters with a handful of RSS activists not an act of domestic disturbance. BJP criticized MNS acutely for its parochial acts of violence, was this attack any different from that ultimately who got manhandled were citizens of india (in this case they were politicians). A judicial probe into the matter is definately required since such acts should be dealt with utmost severity and the culprits be punished. The politicians should overcome their partisan vendetta and behave more maturely, they have a nation to look after.
Sent to the HINDU on 12 March 2008
Sent to the HINDU on 12 March 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Plight of Mr. Kashmir
The dramatic story of Mr. Kashmir Singh exposes us to yet another harsh contemporary reality .
Mr. Singh patiently bore all that was inflicted upon him over a period of 35 years of his imprisonment without succumbing to the pressures or oozing out even the slightest amount of information about his country or accepting that he was there for espionage even when a death sentence was conferred upon him. Then what happened suddenly upon his return to his home town that he burst out in front of the media accepting that he was sent by the government of India on a spying mission? Probably the situation he faced upon returning forced him to. Many of us condemned this act of Mr. Kashmir stating that it would embarrass Mr. Burney and adversely affect the indo-pak relations. In this due course of diplomacy we are overlooking the plight of the large number of government spies and other on-mission-agents who work with utmost sincerity for the govt and then end up being disowned upon being unmasked, leaving behind their dependents, family members stalkless who then live in a murky state that whether their breadwinner is even alive or not.
The state of blindly looking at a faint ray of hope of return of their dear ones is an unimaginable state whose agony and anguish only those understand who have actually gone through it. Dont people like Mr. Kashmir expect the govt to atleast take care of their family members when they rot in a foreign jail without even knowing if they would ever be released. Is it too much to ask for ? The action was obviously a knee-jerk on part of Mr. Kashmir, but is he the only one to be blamed for it ? I guess not.
Sent to THE HINDU on Mar-11 2008
Mr. Singh patiently bore all that was inflicted upon him over a period of 35 years of his imprisonment without succumbing to the pressures or oozing out even the slightest amount of information about his country or accepting that he was there for espionage even when a death sentence was conferred upon him. Then what happened suddenly upon his return to his home town that he burst out in front of the media accepting that he was sent by the government of India on a spying mission? Probably the situation he faced upon returning forced him to. Many of us condemned this act of Mr. Kashmir stating that it would embarrass Mr. Burney and adversely affect the indo-pak relations. In this due course of diplomacy we are overlooking the plight of the large number of government spies and other on-mission-agents who work with utmost sincerity for the govt and then end up being disowned upon being unmasked, leaving behind their dependents, family members stalkless who then live in a murky state that whether their breadwinner is even alive or not.
The state of blindly looking at a faint ray of hope of return of their dear ones is an unimaginable state whose agony and anguish only those understand who have actually gone through it. Dont people like Mr. Kashmir expect the govt to atleast take care of their family members when they rot in a foreign jail without even knowing if they would ever be released. Is it too much to ask for ? The action was obviously a knee-jerk on part of Mr. Kashmir, but is he the only one to be blamed for it ? I guess not.
Sent to THE HINDU on Mar-11 2008
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Condemnable Politics
Sent to THE HINDU on march 08 2008
The divisive politics as taken up by the likes of Bal Thackrey poses a grave threat to the integrity of the country whose very foundation lies on the manner in which the diversities of its culture are intertwined into one united nation. The baneful tactic was first used by Bal Thackrey in the 60s which led to the formation of Shiv Sena, at that time it was launched against the people of South India and as we ourselves can see, it turned out to be a great success. The same time-tested formula is being used again but with a slight modification of targeting the North-Indians. An important point to note is that it is us the "united non parochial citizens" - as we again and again like to call ourselves, that led to the success of this condemnable methodology in the past. As long as we the citizens get disillusioned by such petty politics and vote them to power such shameful events will occur. Isn't it sad that in a city like mumbai where people are considered to be an educated and sensible lot fall for such hollow claims of local patriotism. The perpetrators of these events should be punished but side by side the citizens should prove to such chauvinist organizations that they can not be fooled by such acts of narrow mindedness.
The divisive politics as taken up by the likes of Bal Thackrey poses a grave threat to the integrity of the country whose very foundation lies on the manner in which the diversities of its culture are intertwined into one united nation. The baneful tactic was first used by Bal Thackrey in the 60s which led to the formation of Shiv Sena, at that time it was launched against the people of South India and as we ourselves can see, it turned out to be a great success. The same time-tested formula is being used again but with a slight modification of targeting the North-Indians. An important point to note is that it is us the "united non parochial citizens" - as we again and again like to call ourselves, that led to the success of this condemnable methodology in the past. As long as we the citizens get disillusioned by such petty politics and vote them to power such shameful events will occur. Isn't it sad that in a city like mumbai where people are considered to be an educated and sensible lot fall for such hollow claims of local patriotism. The perpetrators of these events should be punished but side by side the citizens should prove to such chauvinist organizations that they can not be fooled by such acts of narrow mindedness.
Myopic Loan Waiver of Budget 2008
Sent to THE HINDU on March 5 2008
"Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day, Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime".If Mr. P. Chidambram would have realized this then farmer relief would have been given more ingeniously with a long-term vision of providing adequate means of livelihood to the aggrieved farmers all over the country. The loan waiver would certainly provide some temporary relief to the farmers but it mainly fails on the following aspects.
1) No future security to the farmers.
2) No relief to farmers in the clutches of the private high-interest money lenders.
3) Liquidity burden on the banks.
4) Injustice to the farmers who have already paid their debts ( which may in future boost dishonest practices to claim loan waivers ).
And the gravest of all is the dividing of farmers into small and marginal farmers and other farmers based on the land-holding size.
Isnt it a serious error, whether the farmer holds one hectare of land or 20 hectare of land wont a drought affect both in the similar manner. Infact the farmers with large holdings of land are more likely to be at a greater loss and in a greater debt.
And for all these objections hollow and unconvincing explanations have been cited like
" We can't do anything about private money lenders, we are doing what ever we can. "
"I [Mr. P Chidambram] will make sure that the bank has liquidity, I will work out a plan for it"
"I believe the farmer is a honest man"
These look more like escapes than genuine measures. If a little more effort would have been poured in and some amount of vision had been amalgamated into the policy a number of other good options would have surfaced, in my opinion a better alternative to the existing one time waver would have been as follows.
1) Around 80% waiver to the institutional loans of all farmers.
2) An interest holiday on the remaining 20% loan for a period of 5 years to keep the
farmers liable and avoid ingenuine cases.
3) Availability of cheap credit to farmers indebted to private money lenders upon proper
inquiry.
4) Distribution pf poultry, Dairy, fisheries and other farm fowl for farmers to have alternate means of livelihood.
5) Formation of a vigilance committee to ensure a check on the unreasonable interest rates of private money lenders.
The loan waiver is a noble first step in the pursuit of a massive goal. This is just the beginning we need to make the farmers self-dependent and ready to face the challenges of life instead of resorting to suicides.
"Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day, Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime".If Mr. P. Chidambram would have realized this then farmer relief would have been given more ingeniously with a long-term vision of providing adequate means of livelihood to the aggrieved farmers all over the country. The loan waiver would certainly provide some temporary relief to the farmers but it mainly fails on the following aspects.
1) No future security to the farmers.
2) No relief to farmers in the clutches of the private high-interest money lenders.
3) Liquidity burden on the banks.
4) Injustice to the farmers who have already paid their debts ( which may in future boost dishonest practices to claim loan waivers ).
And the gravest of all is the dividing of farmers into small and marginal farmers and other farmers based on the land-holding size.
Isnt it a serious error, whether the farmer holds one hectare of land or 20 hectare of land wont a drought affect both in the similar manner. Infact the farmers with large holdings of land are more likely to be at a greater loss and in a greater debt.
And for all these objections hollow and unconvincing explanations have been cited like
" We can't do anything about private money lenders, we are doing what ever we can. "
"I [Mr. P Chidambram] will make sure that the bank has liquidity, I will work out a plan for it"
"I believe the farmer is a honest man"
These look more like escapes than genuine measures. If a little more effort would have been poured in and some amount of vision had been amalgamated into the policy a number of other good options would have surfaced, in my opinion a better alternative to the existing one time waver would have been as follows.
1) Around 80% waiver to the institutional loans of all farmers.
2) An interest holiday on the remaining 20% loan for a period of 5 years to keep the
farmers liable and avoid ingenuine cases.
3) Availability of cheap credit to farmers indebted to private money lenders upon proper
inquiry.
4) Distribution pf poultry, Dairy, fisheries and other farm fowl for farmers to have alternate means of livelihood.
5) Formation of a vigilance committee to ensure a check on the unreasonable interest rates of private money lenders.
The loan waiver is a noble first step in the pursuit of a massive goal. This is just the beginning we need to make the farmers self-dependent and ready to face the challenges of life instead of resorting to suicides.
Culture of Intolerance
Sent to THE HINDU on March 1 2008
A lot of Protest was made and law and order disturbed in response to some historical inconsistencies in the film "Jodha Akbar" released this month. The ban has been lifted which is certainly an appropriate decision. The methods used by the people to put forward their concerns and rage over the issue were indeed wrong but was the agitation totally baseless ? The protests were criticized holistically by the various readers citing reason that the Director Ashutosh Govatrikar never claimed the movie to be a "historical account" and that no fingers were raised on the very same issue when "Mughal-e-Azam" was released in the 60's which depicts the increasing intolerance among the people. Both the statements appear to be very convincing and leave a sense of sympathy for the director and repulsion towards the agitators, but before we pass our verdict we need to really consider the other viewpoint of the matter.
The first point of the "movie not being a historical account" is invalid in its very first place. If there was to be no resemblance tothe real history and consistency with the life of Akbar and Jodha Bai why was it named after them in the first place instead of using fictious names, does'nt naming the movie after the legendary mughal ruler and the Rajput princess by itself attaches the strings of peoples reverence and emotions and coerce them expect some "historical integrity " from the movie. The magnitude of the anomalies in Jodha-Akbar may be too small to arise the issue of "historical mutilation" but the justifications given can be produced in more severe cases.
Just to cite as an example if there were a movie being made about the early 19th century and the director would potray "The Hindu" as a communal instrument in the movie which of course is totally incorrect, wouldn't each and every individual associated with "The Hindu" (including the readers and the staff) be offended. Would they care about freedom of expression or the declaration of the director as it not being a "historical account".
Further the time from the 60's has changed the population has increased over four-fold, the affordability of movie shows has increased we have people from all age groups visiting cinemas nower days. Do we consider the impact of the movie on a small child who goes to the movie show for the first time and gets introduced to "Badhshah Akbar" and the "Rajput Kings" there wouldn't it leave an indelible imprint on the perception of the tender minded child.Just to cite as an example Isnt the strength of Mighty Rajputs undermined in the film which is bound to give him a wrong impression. We speak volumes of our glorious past, and here we deliberately harming it.
Consider the two movies show the one in the 60's and the one recently, the first one shows "Akbar" opposing the love of Salim and shows him as a stern ruler opposed to the notion of love and romance in contrast with the the recent movie which shows him patronizes the love of Jodha Bai and depict him as a romantic and loving personality.
A last point to mention is that just to create dramatism in the movie and increase viewership a little amount of melodrama is pumped into every movie , strongly demarkating a Hero from a Villian. Hollywood does present some examples that do not resort to melodrama but still maintain the grandeur, consider Troy a movie that shows the clash between the two main leaders Hector ( Prince of Troy ) and Achilles ( Warrior from Greece ) both are judiciously portrayed with their own short comings and Strengths. A justice is done to both the characters Why can Hollywood maintain such subtle intricasies while we have to resort to presenting a Good guy and a Bad guy in the movie.
The anomalies of Jodha-Akbar were indeed petty and were not worth stoning theaters and causing a public havoc but the reasons given to justify even the little discrepancies were inappropriate. Movie directors and other in the business should recognize their responsibility and act in a more conscious way.
A lot of Protest was made and law and order disturbed in response to some historical inconsistencies in the film "Jodha Akbar" released this month. The ban has been lifted which is certainly an appropriate decision. The methods used by the people to put forward their concerns and rage over the issue were indeed wrong but was the agitation totally baseless ? The protests were criticized holistically by the various readers citing reason that the Director Ashutosh Govatrikar never claimed the movie to be a "historical account" and that no fingers were raised on the very same issue when "Mughal-e-Azam" was released in the 60's which depicts the increasing intolerance among the people. Both the statements appear to be very convincing and leave a sense of sympathy for the director and repulsion towards the agitators, but before we pass our verdict we need to really consider the other viewpoint of the matter.
The first point of the "movie not being a historical account" is invalid in its very first place. If there was to be no resemblance tothe real history and consistency with the life of Akbar and Jodha Bai why was it named after them in the first place instead of using fictious names, does'nt naming the movie after the legendary mughal ruler and the Rajput princess by itself attaches the strings of peoples reverence and emotions and coerce them expect some "historical integrity " from the movie. The magnitude of the anomalies in Jodha-Akbar may be too small to arise the issue of "historical mutilation" but the justifications given can be produced in more severe cases.
Just to cite as an example if there were a movie being made about the early 19th century and the director would potray "The Hindu" as a communal instrument in the movie which of course is totally incorrect, wouldn't each and every individual associated with "The Hindu" (including the readers and the staff) be offended. Would they care about freedom of expression or the declaration of the director as it not being a "historical account".
Further the time from the 60's has changed the population has increased over four-fold, the affordability of movie shows has increased we have people from all age groups visiting cinemas nower days. Do we consider the impact of the movie on a small child who goes to the movie show for the first time and gets introduced to "Badhshah Akbar" and the "Rajput Kings" there wouldn't it leave an indelible imprint on the perception of the tender minded child.Just to cite as an example Isnt the strength of Mighty Rajputs undermined in the film which is bound to give him a wrong impression. We speak volumes of our glorious past, and here we deliberately harming it.
Consider the two movies show the one in the 60's and the one recently, the first one shows "Akbar" opposing the love of Salim and shows him as a stern ruler opposed to the notion of love and romance in contrast with the the recent movie which shows him patronizes the love of Jodha Bai and depict him as a romantic and loving personality.
A last point to mention is that just to create dramatism in the movie and increase viewership a little amount of melodrama is pumped into every movie , strongly demarkating a Hero from a Villian. Hollywood does present some examples that do not resort to melodrama but still maintain the grandeur, consider Troy a movie that shows the clash between the two main leaders Hector ( Prince of Troy ) and Achilles ( Warrior from Greece ) both are judiciously portrayed with their own short comings and Strengths. A justice is done to both the characters Why can Hollywood maintain such subtle intricasies while we have to resort to presenting a Good guy and a Bad guy in the movie.
The anomalies of Jodha-Akbar were indeed petty and were not worth stoning theaters and causing a public havoc but the reasons given to justify even the little discrepancies were inappropriate. Movie directors and other in the business should recognize their responsibility and act in a more conscious way.
Pakistan Politics
Sent to THE HINDU ( letters to the editor on Feb 28 2008 )
A series of blast, a number of civilian casualties ( with Gen.(Retd.) Musharraf trying heart and soul to ensure law and order in the country) , the election day arrives, voting occurs peacefully, extremist parties that were supposedly responsible for the earlier mishaps loose and stay completely calm and composed with no post election violence. Doest all of this look really artificial, the law-enforcing authorities did not get any Alladins lamp on the polling day that would so drastically change the atmosphere, could this be a calculated move by the president to restore his credibility as a peace-guardian by allowing the non-extremist parties to come to power and later try to discredit them with planned acts of violence.Only time can tell. The PPP and PML(N) have achieved a majestic victory, they need to consolidate on a plan to capitalize on this golden opportunity and take Pakistan to new pinnacles of development and simultaneously be on guard from the not so friendly extremist forces in Pakistan.
A series of blast, a number of civilian casualties ( with Gen.(Retd.) Musharraf trying heart and soul to ensure law and order in the country) , the election day arrives, voting occurs peacefully, extremist parties that were supposedly responsible for the earlier mishaps loose and stay completely calm and composed with no post election violence. Doest all of this look really artificial, the law-enforcing authorities did not get any Alladins lamp on the polling day that would so drastically change the atmosphere, could this be a calculated move by the president to restore his credibility as a peace-guardian by allowing the non-extremist parties to come to power and later try to discredit them with planned acts of violence.Only time can tell. The PPP and PML(N) have achieved a majestic victory, they need to consolidate on a plan to capitalize on this golden opportunity and take Pakistan to new pinnacles of development and simultaneously be on guard from the not so friendly extremist forces in Pakistan.
Players Auction at IPL
Sent to the HINDU ( Letters to the Editor ) on Feb 23 2008
The recent bidding for the players for IPL was termed as ostentatious and not in the spirit of the game, fingers were raised saying that huge sums of money could have been used for other more socially beneficial causes. Well I feel that such an argument can be given to any entrepreneurial act which is done with commercial purpose. The revenues and the forex that will be generated, as is happening in Soccer leagues and Basket Ball Leagues in western and European countries is being overlooked. The revenue will definitely boost the indian economy in a big way and the funds generated can be used for escalating the plight of other sports like hockey, badminton if not for direct sociological causes.Side by side It is undeniable that a good structuring of the matches are needed to prevent the burnout of the players, thereby harming the traditional styles of the game with which people identify themselves emotionally.
Another point that is not very appreciable is the naming of the clubs ( or the franchisees ) on regions like mohali, Bombay which certainly can bring a regional dimension to the clubs, other names based on probably companies or cricketing legends would have been more in the spirit of the game.
The recent bidding for the players for IPL was termed as ostentatious and not in the spirit of the game, fingers were raised saying that huge sums of money could have been used for other more socially beneficial causes. Well I feel that such an argument can be given to any entrepreneurial act which is done with commercial purpose. The revenues and the forex that will be generated, as is happening in Soccer leagues and Basket Ball Leagues in western and European countries is being overlooked. The revenue will definitely boost the indian economy in a big way and the funds generated can be used for escalating the plight of other sports like hockey, badminton if not for direct sociological causes.Side by side It is undeniable that a good structuring of the matches are needed to prevent the burnout of the players, thereby harming the traditional styles of the game with which people identify themselves emotionally.
Another point that is not very appreciable is the naming of the clubs ( or the franchisees ) on regions like mohali, Bombay which certainly can bring a regional dimension to the clubs, other names based on probably companies or cricketing legends would have been more in the spirit of the game.
Kidney Kingpins arrest
Sent to The Hindu ( Letters to the editor) on Feb-13 2008
The nabbing of the kingpin of the inhumane kidney racket is a huge success indeed. The case should be dealt with utmost severity to set an example to the others involved in similar practices. The role of the Indian Police and the cooperation of their Nepali counterparts is commendable. The determination that is seen to unravel the alleged involvements of politicians and other offices is what is required however one fact that came to light earlier and has somehow been lost among the current issues is of Amit Kumar being arrested earlier and then bribing his was into his satanic profession. In my opinion the police authorities involved in the bribing and the politicians who endorsed the racket, without which the atrocities committed on innocent people would not have been possible. If we need a clean society we need to uproot them mere pruning of the offshoots wont be of any help.
The nabbing of the kingpin of the inhumane kidney racket is a huge success indeed. The case should be dealt with utmost severity to set an example to the others involved in similar practices. The role of the Indian Police and the cooperation of their Nepali counterparts is commendable. The determination that is seen to unravel the alleged involvements of politicians and other offices is what is required however one fact that came to light earlier and has somehow been lost among the current issues is of Amit Kumar being arrested earlier and then bribing his was into his satanic profession. In my opinion the police authorities involved in the bribing and the politicians who endorsed the racket, without which the atrocities committed on innocent people would not have been possible. If we need a clean society we need to uproot them mere pruning of the offshoots wont be of any help.
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